Tanak talks up WRC title hopes

The Estonian felt that he was very much playing second fiddle to five-time champion Sebastien Ogier last year at M-Sport and is happier with the situation alongside Jari-Matti Latvala and Esapekka Lappi with Toyota.

Our target is the same - to win the championship.

Ott Tanak

Tanak finished in third place in the standings last season, behind Ogier and Hyundai ace Thierry Neuville, ending up just 41 points behind the winner.

And, having claimed victories in both Italy and Germany in 2017, Tanak has high expectations for the new season, which kicks off in Monte Carlo next week.

He told Motorsport.com: "It was really good working with Sebastien and we had a very strong team, but sometimes the financial resources were limited and we lacked development on our car compared to Sebastien’s car.

"We were the second driver last year and for the future, so maybe it was not so nice or the best chance for the championship."

He added on the official WRC website: "The team (Toyota Gazoo) did a really good job last year; even though it was their first season they were already very competitive.

"I can see how much potential there is and I wanted to make sure I was part of this team in the coming years. Our target is the same - to win the championship."

Tanak is available at 16/1 to be crowned WRC world champion this year, with Neuville priced at 8/13 and Ogier 6/5.

By accessing, continuing to use or navigating throughout this site you accept that we will use certain browser cookies to improve your customer experience with us. bet365 only uses cookies which will improve your experience with us and will not interfere with your privacy. Please refer to our
Cookies Policy for further information on our use of cookies and how you can disable or manage their use should you wish.